Football heads into Ball State needing to keep its hands on the ball if it hopes to hold onto its chances of playing in the MAC Championship game.

The Huskies (6-2, 3-1 MAC) visit the Ball State Cardinals (3-5, 2-2 MAC) 7 p.m. today at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Ind.

Ball State has forced 10 turnovers in the last two games. NIU will have to minimize its mistakes if it wants to win.

“When you get 10 turnovers in two games, that gives you life real quick,” said head coach Rod Carey. “I think their defense does a great job of putting their helmet on the ball… .”

The Huskies have won their last two games: One saw them put up 51 points on Miami (Ohio) and they had a road victory against Eastern Michigan.

The Cardinals have won two-straight games against tough opponents. Oct. 18 they defeated Central Michigan (6-4, 4-2 MAC) and Oct. 25 they beat an Akron (4-4, 2-2 MAC) team that is contending for a spot in the MAC Championship game.

Ball State will look to its running game to produce a lot of its offensive production against the Huskies. Senior running back Jahwan Edwards has already rushed for 828 yards and has recorded eight touchdowns. The Huskies’ defense has struggled against the run, but it will look to zone in on the Ball State running game.

“He’s a powerful, elusive, shifty guy,” Carey said. “He’s got all of the qualities you look for. He’s good size, he’s got good feet, good hips, good vision and he runs with a great pad level. You see him running down on special teams, too, so you know he’s just a consummate team leader.”

The Huskies will need another solid performance by redshirt sophomore quarterback Drew Hare if they want to win their third-straight game. Hare has been dominant of late, rushing for 346 yards and three touchdowns. He has 1,226 passing yards this season with 11 touchdowns and only one interception.

“I think that he’s progressing well,” Carey said. “I think he is starting to play the quarterback position not just as an athlete but also as a passer and a leader. I think the team is responding to that.”

The defense will have to improve in stopping the passing game. Ball State has switched to redshirt freshman quarterback Jack Milas, who has excelled in the passing game. He has thrown for 749 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions in the last three games.

“He’s a great passer,” said William Lee, redshirt freshman defensive tackle. “He doesn’t really run that much, but he is pretty smart with the ball.”